Friday, June 4, 2010

Finding Time to Write

It occurred to me that today is Friday and I've barely had time to write this week, well except for
three blog posts now. That counts. But what I mean is that I haven't worked at all on my WIP and I feel as though I'm not only having a hard time finding the time to write, but sometimes feel that I'm losing time. I have to remember that just because I'm not going forward, it doesn't mean I'm going backward. Nor is time standing still.

Work has been extremely hectic lately with reports due and a special event to plan, so I've put in some extra hours.  I've also been catching up on some website work on my days off.  I've been blessed to have almost two weeks migraine free to help get me through the the busy season.

So what's a writer to do?

It's OK that I haven't been able to write much. The "write every day" thing can make one feel very guilty. I prefer to "write diligently" and consider the overall picture, not just the daily grind.  I'm just doing what I can and being a writer is only part of who I am. My WIP is still there. And Hopefully I can pick it up again and enjoy the process of making progress. In the meantime . . . I do what I can and prioritize my roles and responsibilities. Writing is just one of them.


How about you? What keeps you from writing?

11 comments:

  1. Love your perspective on things, Carla. Often it's good to take time away from our WIP, like it or not. For me it gives me better perspective, like letting a manuscript sit for a couple of weeks or so. When you come back to it, you see things so differently sometimes! For me, it's hard balancing family and church and daily chores. This morning I'm cleaning and catching up on laundry. My reward will be writing when that's done. Lord willing:)

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  2. Yes, this is a good perspective! I find myself in the same boat many weeks, wondering where the days went.
    I too, try and look at it like I am making progress and moving forward.
    Have a good weekend! :)

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  3. What keeps me from writing mostly is lack of what to write about. If I can come up with my plot--nothing stops me!

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  4. I have also had but a few moments to write this week as well. It is hard trying to find time.

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  5. Struggling for the right words, hunger pangs, the phone ringing, construction workers outside with their power tools...

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  6. As a mom to three little girls I understand this post all too well.
    ~ Wendy

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  7. Carla,

    I sure can sympathize. I find it's best not to set hard/fast rules and expect every day to unfold like cookie cutter copies. There are times when other things besides writing should take precedence. But there are also times I let things intrude that really don't need to. Things that can wait. I'm constantly taking stock of priorities and keeping the scales from tipping too far to either side. I think we writers are SO hard on ourselves sometimes! Good for you for gaining and keeping a right perspective.

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  8. So glad you all stopped by today. You encourage me so much!! One thing that really keeps me going is my writing friends. Even if I'm not having a particularly active writing week, I still have the opportunity to spend a little time with each of you. So glad I'm not alone in this and it sounds like you all can relate. You are such a blessing!!

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  9. Carla, I think my biggest problem is that I'm not a structured person at heart, so I'm still getting used to the writing routine. I agree too that its hard balancing...I'm just beginning my journey as a homeschooler. You know what, there's also just my plain old lazy nature at other times.

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  10. In some ways I have the opposite problem. I love writing and can immerse myself in it at the expense of everything, or almost everything, else. During especially busy or hectic times, though, I eek out time for myself, for devotions and writing, before I go to bed. In that last hour of my day when everyone else has gone to bed the quietness of the house is like a balm and I accomplish much more than if I attempt to snatch time between other things.

    I like how you've said you prioritize your roles and responsibilities, and writing is just one of them. There are times when the writing will be a high priority, especially when you're under contract and facing deadlines, but other times when family, work, church or community responsibilities will be higher. When your priorities are in order there's no room for guilt. :)

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  11. I can totally relate. Had to laugh at SouthPaw's comment. :D I work, have 4 kids, am a pastor's wife, etc. Finding time to write is hard. But I find that if I can just squeeze in 500-1000 words a day, my novel progresses along nicely. I don't always get it done, but I keep that as my goal. It generally takes me anywhere from 30-60 minutes to get that done.

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